Why Living The Dream May Feel Empty

What is your definition of “living the dream”?

Is it a certain house, located in a certain place? A bank account with plenty of commas? Travel without limits? A lifestyle that says, “I made it”?

Be honest with yourself. Are you chasing a dream or chasing “true” fulfillment? Are they the same?

People often say they’re “living the dream” when they’re free to travel, work less, play more, and spend freely. I hope I can give you a true picture of this.

If you could do whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted, wherever you wanted, would it truly satisfy your soul?

I say this carefully and with gratitude, not arrogance: We have freedom. We’ve worked hard, and God has blessed that. We’re in beautiful places.

I hear the wind in the trees and feel the awe of creation all around me. And yet, even in the midst of all that, it can still feel like something is missing.

And that “something” is Someone.

True fulfillment doesn’t come from freedom to do what you want. It comes from living in relationship with God. Wow, I know that sounds religous, but it’s not. It’s all about a relationship.

I know you probably know this, but it’s not found in stuff or scenery or status. It’s found in God’s Word, in prayer, in worship, in serving, in loving others, and in community with people who are chasing the same eternal purpose.

The Psalmist wrote, “You will teach me God’s way to live. Being with you will bring me complete joy; being at your right hand will make me happy forever” (Psalm 16:11 NCV).

Jesus reminded us, “What will a person gain if he gets the whole world but loses his soul? There is nothing a person can give to buy back his soul” (Mark 8:36–37 NCV).

And Paul, wrote from a prison cell:

“I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty… I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11–13 NCV).

So if you’re not feeling full or maybe just a little empty, it’s all good. You’re not broken. You’re being reminded that nothing in this world was ever meant to fully satisfy your soul.

Just stop. Open God’s Word. Write about what you read. Journal your thoughts. Worship God in your own quiet way or with others. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill the parts of you that feel dry and to heal what’s hurting.

Sit still. Be quiet. Let the noise fade and the presence and the Spirit of God rise. Ponder His blessings and look for Him in them.

God absolutely makes life better, but He’s even better than life itself.

Do you and I seek “Him”, or just the things He can give us? Do we long for Him? Do we seek Jesus himself? After all, He gave it all for you and me. He’s worth worshipping. He died while we were in sin.

And maybe that’s the real dream. Not what we do, where we go, or how free we feel, but who we walk with.

And in my opinion, that’s a dream that never ends.

HOLY SPIRIT, fill me, let me absorb your Spirit more. Let me have more of Jesus and less of me. Help me see life and the meaning of life as you see it. Fill me. Fill others that need it - please heal them - please help them. IJNIP amen ♥️